South African singer Tyla has won the Best African Music Performance award at the Grammy Awards, edging out top African stars including Davido, Burna Boy and Ayra Starr.

The 24-year-old artist claimed the prize with her song Push 2 Start. She beat four other nominees, three of them Nigerian, as well as Ugandan singer Eddy Kenzo. The win marks Tyla’s second Grammy, following her 2024 victory for her global hit Water.

Speaking after the ceremony in Los Angeles, Tyla shared her excitement about the moment. She said:
“This is insane, this is so insane! I’m just so lucky to be here and I’m so proud to be African.
I’m excited to see more of us over here.”

Her win quickly sparked reactions online. Messages celebrating her success spread across social media, especially in South Africa, where many fans praised her achievement.

One X user wrote:
“South Africa is proud of you ! We are proud of you!,”

Another fan, while hoping Ayra Starr would have won, still acknowledged Tyla’s effort, saying:
“You deserve it.”

The nominees for Best African Music Performance included:
Love by Burna Boy
With You by Davido featuring Omah Lay
Hope & Love by Eddy Kenzo & Mehran Matin
Gimme Dat by Ayra Starr featuring Wizkid
Push 2 Start by Tyla

Despite the global success of Afrobeats, Nigerian music fans expressed disappointment after none of the country’s artists won awards on the night.

Burna Boy also received a nomination in the Best Global Music Album category, while Senegalese legend Youssou N’Dour and Beninese icon Angelique Kidjo were also nominated in global categories. None of them won their awards.

However, Nigeria was not completely left out.
Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award, 29 years after his death.

South Africa also had another strong presence at the ceremony, with comedian Trevor Noah hosting the main Grammy event for the sixth and final time.
His night later drew attention after US President Donald Trump reportedly threatened legal action over jokes made about him and Jeffrey Epstein.

Tyla’s latest Grammy win highlights her growing influence on the global music stage and continues South Africa’s strong showing at the awards.
While Nigerian fans were left disappointed, the recognition of Fela Kuti served as a reminder of Africa’s lasting impact on world music.
Attention now turns to how African artists will build on this momentum in the coming year.

South African singer Tyla holding her Grammy award for Best African Music Performance in Los Angeles